Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows FanStore News Showtimes

New Jack City

Play trailer Poster for New Jack City R Released Mar 8, 1991 1h 41m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
81% Tomatometer 36 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Drug tycoon Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes) and his minions, known collectively as the Cash Money Brothers, have rapidly risen to the top of the New York City narcotics trade. Under Nino's heartless leadership, the drug operation has grown into a multimillion-dollar empire. Scotty (Ice-T) and Nick (Judd Nelson), two police officers who know their way around the streets of Harlem, aim to bring Nino and his cohorts down. To do so, though, they'll have to play by Nino's rules and go undercover.
Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

Where to Watch

New Jack City

New Jack City

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Stylishly directed by Mario Van Peebles, New Jack City offsets its melodramatic streak with electrifying action and a cavalcade of effective performances.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View All (36) Critics Reviews
Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Rated: C- Sep 7, 2011 Full Review J. R. Jones Chicago Reader Though this often plays like a 70s cop show, it became a prototype for the bling-heavy gangsta melodramas of the 90s. Oct 30, 2007 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Filmmakers pull off a provocative, pulsating update on gangster pics with this action-laden epic about the rise and fall of an inner city crack dealer. Oct 30, 2007 Full Review Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid 'New Jack City' is steeped in Blaxploitation filmmaking, and is a good deal more stylish and more fun than, say, 'Boyz N the Hood,' released the same year. Rated: 3/4 Jul 20, 2024 Full Review Sean Burns WBUR’s Arts & Culture I mean, what else can one say about a film in which even Judd Nelson is an enjoyable presence? Aug 20, 2023 Full Review KT Mahe For Your Reference Podcast New Jack City layers seasoning through charming characters, slick dialogue and memorable visuals that propels the film into legendary status. Rated: 5/5 Jul 11, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews
Shawn R Wesley Snipes at his finest Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/03/24 Full Review Bahad j I am very happy that the movie shows us the steps and choices that are necessary in the life of a great person. I like the movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/11/24 Full Review Jasmine M "New Jack City" is an electrifying action/adventure film set in the heart of Harlem, New York, in 1986. This gripping crime thriller provides a raw depiction of the crack cocaine epidemic that ravaged the community during the Reagan era. The narrative follows the ruthless ascent of Nino Brown (portrayed by Wesley Snipes) from a small-time drug dealer to a formidable kingpin who commands the Cash Money Brothers (CMB) gang, dominating Harlem with an iron fist. The movie portrays the brutal tactics employed by Nino Brown as he eliminates rivals and seizes control of an apartment complex to establish a crack house. In the face of this escalating threat, undercover cops Scottie Appleton (played by Christopher Williams) and Nick Paretti (portrayed by Ice-T) courageously confront Nino in a relentless pursuit of justice. The stellar ensemble cast, including Vanessa Williams, Allen Payne, Bill Nunn, and Chris Rock, intensifies the film's impact. "New Jack City" holds immense significance as it authentically portrays the devastating impact of crack cocaine on inner-city communities during a tumultuous period in history. The film sheds light on the resilience of these communities and the daunting challenges faced by law enforcement in combating the pervasive influence of crack cocaine. Among the film's riveting characters, Scottie Appleton emerges as a compelling figure. His unwavering commitment to safeguarding the community, coupled with his genuine concern for his allies and loved ones, makes him an exemplary character. Scottie's compassionate decision to facilitate the rehabilitation of his former adversary, Pookie, instead of resorting to punitive measures, underscores his unwavering integrity. In summary, "New Jack City" is a must-watch for those seeking an intense cinematic experience. Whether you are a fan of blaxploitation, a connoisseur of gangster films, or a viewer drawn to the intricate storytelling akin to "Law and Order," this film promises an enthralling and impactful viewing experience. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/26/24 Full Review Alec C Living in a New Jack City is not for the faint of heart! As a ruthless drug dealer rises through the ranks of the inner-city drug trade, two cops infiltrate his organization and attempt to take him down on the inside, only for them to realize the insanity and corruption comes from the city itself. Shot with a distinct style and backed up by its explosive cast, this film shows us the true degradation of the crack epidemic and its consequences! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/14/24 Full Review Audience Member Taking place in NYC 1980s the gangs are at war with one another. Drugs run rampant; everything from cocaine to meth. Mario Van Peebles stars and directs in a big cast of Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Judd Nelson, Vanessa Williams, Allen Payne, the late Bill Nunn, and Chris Rock. As part of the narcotics trade tycoon Nino Brown and his followers are at the top of their game. It's a multimillion dollar empire that doesn't seem to end. That is until 2 police officers Scotty and Nick step in. They know the streets of Harlem to know what's right and wrong. It's an undercover operation but they'll have to abide by Nino's rules to make it in his world. The war against drugs seems like a losing one so the precinct needs a the best to bring it down. The movie does inform us that many Nino Browns exist and if the problem isn't looked at realistically the drug wave will affect future generations. Peebles makes the impact linger seeing the rise and fall of a drug kingpin. Above average but as far as blaxploitation cinema it works enough. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/09/24 Full Review M R A classic of sorts. It captures the times and issues affecting the inner city circa late 80's, early 90's perfectly. The acting is great. Mario Van Peebles is a gifted filmmaker. The story is quite engaging and sometimes sad like with Chris Rock's infamous 'Pookie' role. I would definitely recommend it. 85/100 B Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews
New Jack City

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

Goodfellas 94% 97% Goodfellas Watchlist Next of Kin 50% 46% Next of Kin Watchlist Heat 83% 94% Heat Watchlist TRAILER for Heat L.A. Confidential 99% 94% L.A. Confidential Watchlist Tango & Cash 31% 52% Tango & Cash Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis Drug tycoon Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes) and his minions, known collectively as the Cash Money Brothers, have rapidly risen to the top of the New York City narcotics trade. Under Nino's heartless leadership, the drug operation has grown into a multimillion-dollar empire. Scotty (Ice-T) and Nick (Judd Nelson), two police officers who know their way around the streets of Harlem, aim to bring Nino and his cohorts down. To do so, though, they'll have to play by Nino's rules and go undercover.
Director
Mario Van Peebles
Producer
George Jackson, David McHenry
Screenwriter
Thomas Lee Wright, Barry Michael Cooper
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Jacmac Films, Warner Brothers
Rating
R
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 8, 1991, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 31, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$44.1M
Runtime
1h 41m
Sound Mix
Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio
35mm
Most Popular at Home Now